Holiday Decor Sale
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The Holiday Table
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We all know the dining table can serve as the center of holiday entertaining in your home. Relax… it isn’t just you that gravitates towards the location of the food at every holiday party. In fact, I believe it’s more than that. The dining table is where so many of our favorite memories are made… and it just so happens food is involved. So here are some tips to make your holiday table one for the books!
I like to start with my dishes. You’ll never go wrong with a solid white plate, but don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Mix and match styles, colors and patterns for a collected look. This is also a great trick if you have more guests than you do plates. Layer your dishes depending on the style of dinner you are serving. More casual? A salad plate and/or a charger will do just fine. Add in your flatware, glasses, and napkins… more of the essentials.
Pay attention to the details. Incorporate different textures for interest and warmth. One of my favorite table setting “go-tos” is greenery. It is full, beautiful and will bring your table to life. It can serve as a centerpiece, run the length of your table, or can be an addition to a carefully crafted nametag bringing another level of personalization to the party. Speaking of which, I love using name cards. This is the place to add a touch of whimsy or an accent of color. Plus, everyone loves to see their name waiting for them at the dinner table.
And finally, top it off with candle light. For an atmosphere that will melt anyone’s heart, add the flickering of small flames down the length of your table top. You’ll have your guests asking to come back every year.
[photos from Smitten Studio, Kelly Wearstler, Style Me Pretty, This is Glamorous, and Elizabeth Anne Designs]
Susan's Pick
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What could be a more thoughtful Christmas gift than Belgian linen sheets for yourself or those you love? They are warmer than flannel in winter and cooler than percale in summer. Who wants to get up early on Christmas anyway? Sleep in and enjoy these luxurious sheets.
Our Holiday Playlist
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So what’s left to prepare besides shopping lists and party details? A holiday playlist, of course! Whether you need to add that final layer to an upcoming party or just want to curl up next to the fireplace and relax, the perfect tunes always add that special ambiance we love around this time of year. Here’s what we are listening to this season:
[photos from Pinterest and Emily Steffen]
Tasha's Pick
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The holidays are all about traditions - and nothing is more traditional than Christmas stockings. Some of my favorite childhood memories are hanging the hand-stitched stockings made by my mother and discovering all the treats and treasures inside on Christmas morning. These stockings are the next best thing to homemade, and this year I'll be hanging these with my kids to create memories of our own.
- Tasha
Fresh garlands and wreaths!
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Ushering in the season with a little help from Mother Nature...
There are few smells that get me as excited as fresh greenery this time of year! It encompasses all the ooey gooey Christmas memories we cherish, and if you’ve ever trekked into the woods to have a Griswold family Christmas moment you know what I’m talking about - going fresh is completely intoxicating!
Having grown up with fresh trees, it’s to my adult dismay that I have converted to the mega convenient pre-lit world, BUT I’m here to preach that you can have convenience and freshness in the same household! It’s all going to start with the first thing your guests see (and smell) when they ring your doorbell…..the wreath.
We just received a shipment of fresh magnolia and bay leaf wreaths to help usher in your holiday season (and your party guests!)
What’s so brilliant about a fresh wreath is not only do you look holiday legit to all those that come over, but it’s such an easy trick! Without any doctoring you honestly could hang, walk away, and start sipping cocoa because it's sooo good on its own! If you want to add some jingle bells for sparkle, don’t let me hold you back, just know less is more, and these wreaths look real good naked.
Next on the freshy fresh agenda is the bay leaf garlands Santa dropped off here at the Alice Lane!
Fresh garlands are as easy as the wreaths but your application is so broad. You can drape them around doorways, over your mantles, down your banisters and on every type of table top, console and armoire! Your options are limitless!! We are big fans over here!
So to all my interweb friends reading this, please come over and snag them while they’re hot because today is officially three weeks from Christmas, and I’d hate for you to miss out!
With frasier fir hugs and hot cocoa kisses,
(The Christmas Elf)
[pinterest, etsy, veranda, and atlanta homes and lifestyles]
Giedy's Picks
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Holiday garlands are my absolute favorite holiday decor. Ours look 100% natural, and they can be used in so many different ways. I've used nearly a dozen in my own home this year. Besides the traditional mantle and staircase placement, try one around a hurricane glass container on your coffee table, or use one to run down the center of a dining room table with nestled candles. I've even added them to the tops of my bookcases and armoires this year. The possibilities are endless. Happy holiday decorating!
Rachel's Pick
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It's not about what you do, but how you do it. You wouldn't believe someone who said, "Have a good day!" if it came with a scowl. We always wrap a gift in something pretty before delivering it. When hosting, there's something special about serving (and being served) food in pretty dishes. One of my favorite pieces to use when hosting a gathering is our seeded green glass drink dispenser. It has a simple and charming way of presenting beverages to party guests. Instead of hiding your holiday punch in a pitcher, show it off! Even ice water looks special if you present it right.
Thanksgiving Hosting Tips
/Am I the only one that can’t believe Thanksgiving is around the corner? Geesh! Where has the time gone? Luckily my wife and I are not hosting the family clan, but if we were, we would be in full prep mode with a bucket of stress. Are you in the same ship? Hopefully I can make it a little easier. Just remember the art of hosting is in the details. How many times have you heard, “It’s the little things that count.” How true is that when hosting a holiday get together? Do not feel like you have to throw a party that gets 3,294 likes on Instagram or nifty ideas that get repined five million times. Just pay attention to the details, and your guests will feel like you spent all year putting everything together. Here we go:
There are many things that help set the mood. Candles burning, scents wafting through the air, and visually stimulating décor will put your guests right at ease. Do not forget the music! Technology these days makes it so easy too! I typically turn to Pandora to give my party a variety of artists under one genre. Music is a simple way to set the tone and make a party fun.
How do you dress the table is the question that follows once the menu is finalized. I think Thanksgiving is one of the easier holidays to decorate. Think of different textures and deeper colors – nothing too fussy or overdone. I love the idea of placing planks of reclaimed wood down the center of the table as a table runner with candles, wheat, fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest, and maybe a couple flowers here and there. Don’t pigeon hole yourself into just pumpkins and gourds! There are many other options.
This time of the year calls for family gatherings so why not pay tribute to family members of years gone by? Grab family heirlooms like grandpa’s basketball trophies, great grandmother’s tea cups, or aunt Gertrude’s collection of flatware to incorporate into your design. Are you like me and don’t have enough table settings for a party of 14+? No problem! Borrow coordinating settings from other guests to mix in. Layering in grandma’s china with aunt Olivia’s flatware and stemware collections from your neighbor’s European ancestors – could make for a dinner with a sense of history and great conversation starters!
See, the small details are the ones that count and go a long way! Just think of how you layer your outfits for fall weather and how the same concept can be applied to your Thanksgiving dinner. Do a little digging or shopping for those unexpected pieces that will make your gathering a little unexpected, a little more cozy, and a greater sense of heritage.
[photos from Decoist, Santa Barbara Chic, and Gourmande in the Kitchen]
Holly A.'s Pick
/By a raise of hands, who has ever used a salt cellar? And why not? Here's a little fact: Use of salt cellars are documented as early as classical Rome. They were used up through the first half of the 20th century, but have been primarily replaced by salt shakers at the introduction of free-flowing salt in 1911. As far as I'm concerned, salt shakers owe us an apology. Look at what we've been missing out on all these years:
What if this year for our holiday feasting we uninvited salt shakers and gave these beauties a chance? "How classy", your great-aunt might remark, "where on earth did you find something so rare and collectible?" To which you might respond, "I found it at Alice Lane. That's where."
Add a touch of history to your table this season and win over Great-Aunt Gloria with a salt cellar or two. They can be found and both Alice Lane locations. You're welcome.
Guests are coming!
/The holidays are almost here and it’s time to start preparing for your house guests. Here’s a list of my favorite tips for outfitting your guest room and making sure your loved ones feel comfortable and welcome.
THE BED The ideal guest bed has several layers to help your guest sleep at the perfect temperature. Use cotton or linen sheets, a warm coverlet, and a fluffy duvet. Make sure to tighten up the bedding with hospital corners, like mama taught you. Turn down the sheets to make the bed inviting and provide a stack of extra pillows and blankets.
THE NIGHTSTAND When outfitting the nightstands make sure they have the following: an alarm clock, fresh water in a carafe, a bud vase with a few blooms, and a selection of magazines. You get extra credit by topping it off with the guest’s favorite treat. A few luxuries go a long way in impressing your visitors.
THE BATHROOM Stock the guest bathroom with a stack of clean towels, extra toiletries (someone always seems to forget a toothbrush), a fluffy robe, and a lovely scented candle. Tuck in your favorite lotions and soaps to give it that last personal touch.
Michelle's Pick
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We are in the thick of a home remodel. It is an experience that solicits a basketful of emotions. One day I’m over the moon about crisp white baseboards and the next I’m in the depths of despair because the bathroom hardware is stuck somewhere between here and there. Most days, the only things that get me through the remodeling crazy are a cold soda and a Norman Rockwell inspired vision of those I love gathered in our new home feeling and experiencing the holiday spirit. Just as soon as the dust settles and the finishing touches are placed, I’m pulling out my beautiful cutting boards for a housewarming party to rival all holiday parties. Wood trivets and cutting boards laid casually on a dining table or kitchen island are one of my entertaining tricks. Loaded with beautiful breads, cheeses, nuts and fruits, every party guest is sure to leave feeling satisfied and asking where you picked up those natural beauties.
Cutting boards—Priced from $64-174
For Your Fete de Noel
/As you may have noticed, around these parts we like to celebrate. Is somebody running their first marathon? We'll make tee shirts. Did your kid loose another tooth? Let's all have cookies. So just imagine what the holiday season does to our party throwing souls. For those of you nearby, we hope you enjoyed our recent holiday events. (We loved seeing you! Weren't those ginger cookies delicious?)
And for those of you both near and far, we pulled together a few quick tips to take any of your upcoming fete from fun to unforgettably festive.
SET THE MOOD Just as we frequently discuss when designing a room, one trick that will set your party up for success is lighting. The pros know that soft lighting is the ultimate goal, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a slight air of mystery. We're not asking you to serve your guests in the dark, but try turning off overhead lights (or at least turn down the dimmer!) and utilize table lamps and, of course, candles. Holiday parties have the added benefit of twinkle lights, which have a reputation for being an automatic mood setter!
MAKE IT EASY Many times the Achilles heel of a good party starts with an over complicated plan. Choose a unifying theme for the décor and then examine whether each piece you want to bring in enhances that theme, or is just excess. Let a few statement making touches have a bigger impact, rather than feeling like every surface of your home needs to be decked out. Use a similar mindset when planning the menu: one extravagant, crowd pleasing dish, and then let the sides play second fiddle.
ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES, AND LET THE PUNCH ROLL For our final bit of advice, we borrowed a story from a decorating and entertaining hero, the magician Miles Redd. “It was springtime in New York and we were so excited for some nice weather, and we had set up this beautiful table outside,” says Miles. “I had gone upstairs to take a shower and within minutes it turned into thunderous storms. So the only other place I can host a large group is in my bathroom. We just moved everything upstairs.”
While most people would be mortified to host guests in their bathroom, we admire the spirit of Miles’ story – sometimes even the best laid plans get thrown awry, but why should that ruin the party? A good hostess has the ability to be flexible, and to lead the mood of an event with their own attitude. Approach obstacles with light heartedness, and remember the unexpected moments sometimes create the best memories.
[photos from Eddie Ross, Lonny Mag, Lifestyle Mirror]
Jen's Picks
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One of my favorite things to see in a bedroom is his and her nightstands. A man’s nightstand is usually more edited. A handsome clock, a catch all bowl, or a tray, are all very useful, and still feel masculine.
A woman’s nightstand will be filled with functional things as well as things that make her happy. If you want something that will immediately give away whose side of the bed it is, put flowers on her side. Real flowers are always so beautiful, but if you are worried about the maintenance we have some absolutely beautiful forever florals in our stores that require no upkeep. A few other ideas for her nightstand are to have a bowl to drop jewelry in at the end of the night, or a tray to hold a candle or lotion in, or put a cute accessory on there!
If you are struggling with what to put on the nightstands in your room, come into our store, we would love to help you figure out what they need.
[photos from Veranda]
Bedside Lighting
/The designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz said, “Light is the magical ingredient that makes or breaks a space; it's one of the most important elements in all interiors.” He’s so right! Sadly, often times lighting a space becomes an afterthought. Here are 4 of my favorite tips for lighting that cozy place we love to spend cold winter nights in - our bedrooms.
Lights placed next to your bed not only create warmth and ambience, they also fulfill a purpose. Make sure whatever type of lighting you use is placed high enough so that the light shines down on that page-turning novel you can’t get enough of.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match! While symmetry is beautiful and stately, having different lamps on each side of the bed helps a space feel less formal; so choose lighting that reflects your personal style and story.
Use floor lamps. Yes, that’s right, try using a floor lamp next to your bed. Many of us don’t have space in our apartments or guest bedrooms to have nightstands on both sides of the bed. A smartly chosen floor lamp on one side of the bed and a table lamp on the other is a handsome solution.
I love sconces; they are jewelry for your wall, and who doesn’t love jewelry?! Free up your nightstand for some beautiful flowers or stylish books by placing sconces next to your bed instead of traditional lamps. Sconces are beauty and function all rolled up in one.
